Factors of mobile library user behavioral intention from the perspective of information ecology

Purpose The purpose of this study is to analyze the factors of the mobile library users' attitude and behavioral intention from the perspective of information ecology. The research results could serve as a reference for the improvement of the mobile library services. Design/methodology/approach A model was constructed of the mobile library users' attitude and behavioral intention with three external variables, namely, information quality, information environment and information technology, abstracted from the theory of information ecology. The influences of the three ecological factors were explored with empirical research and structural equation model. Findings Results showed that information quality, information environment and information technology had positive and significant effects on users' attitude, among which the influence coefficient of information environment was the largest. Information technology and users' attitude had positive and significant effects on the behavioral intention of users. This new theoretical perspective for research on the users' mobile library behavior might have a positive role in promoting the development of mobile libraries. Practical implications This study suggests that the mobile library can improve the service mode in three aspects, namely, information quality, information environment and information technology to enhance the intention to use. Originality/value A theoretical model of the mobile library users' behavioral intention is constructed from the perspective of information ecology. It can not only provide solid theoretical guidance for research on mobile libraries but also broaden the application of information ecology theory.